Road construction resumes in Erie region

Major work continues near Millcreek Mall and will pick up where it was left off on Millfair Road.

Valerie Myers @ETNMyers

Road work season is here, at least as weather permits.

Construction is underway on Interchange Road near the Millcreek Mall and on East 38th Street in Erie.

Work is scheduled to resume at the end of March on Millfair Road and Route 5 in Millcreek and Fairview townships.

New Pennsylvania Department of Transportation projects also will get underway this spring and summer. Among them: Addressing the bumps in the road on the western Bayfront Parkway.

Major construction projects continuing this season include:

Interchange Road: Adding lanes

Where: Interchange and Edinboro roads east of Interstate 79 and Zimmerly Road west of the interstate.

What: Work began in fall 2016 to widen Interchange and Zimmerly roads, replace the bridge over Walnut Creek west of I-79 and add turn lanes near the Millcreek Mall in Millcreek Township.

What's been done: A median in the center of the Interchange Road bridge over I-79 was removed to add new turn lanes onto the interstate.

Coming this year: Bridge construction resumed this month. Zimmerly Road will be widened from three lanes to five west of the interstate. New turn lanes will be built on Interchange Road at Edinboro Road, on Interchange Road at Peach Street and on Edinboro Road at Interchange Road. Edinboro Road and Peach Street traffic signals will be upgraded.

Traffic impacts: Lanes may be closed at times.

Starting: In progress.

Ending: September.

Cost: $21 million.

Millfair Road: North-south alternative

Where: From Route 5 to Route 20, Millcreek and Fairview townships.

What: Work began in February 2017 to carry traffic over the Norfolk Southern and CSX railroad tracks on Millfair Road, to improve traffic flow and to ease pressure on neighboring Asbury Road.

What's been done: Twin bridges have been built over the tracks. A single-lane roundabout has been laid out on Route 5. A new turn lane carries traffic from Route 20 onto Millfair.

Coming this year: The roundabout will be completed and is expected to open in mid-May. Millfair Road will be shifted to meet the new bridges. Woodside Road will be reconfigured at Millfair.

Traffic impacts: Vehicles will be detoured from Route 5 while the roundabout is finished.

Starting: March 26.

Ending: October.

Cost: $12.5 million.

East 38th Street: Finishing touches

Where: From Old French Road to Rice Avenue in Erie.

What: Work began in 2017 to improve the street, sidewalks, drainage and traffic signals.

What's been done: Paving is complete. New traffic signals are operational at some intersections.

Coming this year: Remaining signals will be activated, including a new light at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center driveway.